Truck Loans Australia :: Articles

Car Leasing

What is car leasing and how does it work?

Car Leasing

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Leasing is an often misunderstood car financing option so, in response to subscriber feedback, we've included this article to help give you a better understanding of what it is and how it works.

What's leasing all about?

Leasing is really just another form of borrowing to finance a car. 

But unlike loan finance - where you take ownership of the car and offer it or something else as security to the lender – lease finance sees a leasing company take ownership and give you the use of the car under contract for a specified period.

Lease contracts

Upon signing your lease contract you agree to make regular monthly lease payments, keep appropriate insurance, pay any vehicle taxes or fees, and take good care of the vehicle.

Car Loans - Quick & Easy
Image for Car Loans - Quick & EasyIf you are in the market for a new or used car, then we'd like to help you arrange the money. Our car loan & leasing service is backed by a national panel of car loan specialists who will establish your eligibility, find lender/s offering the best deals for your situation - and help you through the approval and settlement process. No charge to you - and no obligation to proceed with any recommendations offered.

Further, you agree that you'll keep the car for a specified period - typically two to five years - and you're expected to stick it out to the end of the lease contract.

At the end of the lease period, there is often an option to purchase your vehicle at a specified price. 

Or you may be able to use the car as a trade-in on a new car.

Otherwise, the leasing company will expect the vehicle to be returned with no more than normal wear and tear. 

You may have to pay them for any damage or extra mileage over and above a contract-specified limit.

Lease or buy?

Leasing may involve lower monthly payments than a car loan but this is often because you are only paying off a portion of the vehicle’s value, leaving a 'residual' amount at end of the lease period. 

And at lease end, you will not own the car.

Leasing is often promoted as a cheaper way to finance a car because of the tax advantages it can bring for the self-employed or those who take out a novated lease through their employer. 

This is not necessarily the case and really depends on how much mileage will be clocked up overall, what proportion is for work purposes, and what tax rate you are on.

Published: Sunday, 1st Aug 2021
Author: Paige Estritori

Rate this article

0 Comments

No comments yet. Be the first to share your thoughts.


Truck Loans Articles

Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms
Understanding Credit Scores and Their Impact on Your Commercial Vehicle Loan Terms
Finding the right financing for a commercial vehicle in Australia can be a critical step for businesses and individuals alike. Whether it's for a single van or an entire fleet of trucks, understanding the intricacies of commercial vehicle loans is key to securing a deal that aligns with your financial goals. One factor that stands out in determining your loan terms is the credit score—a numerical representation of your creditworthiness. - read more
Understanding Your Options: A Guide to Commercial Vehicle Loans in Australia
Understanding Your Options: A Guide to Commercial Vehicle Loans in Australia
If you're running a business in Australia, choosing the right commercial vehicle loan can be pivotal to your success. Whether you're a small business owner needing a delivery van or a large company expanding your fleet, understanding your financing options is crucial. - read more
How to Get a Truck Loan with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
How to Get a Truck Loan with Less-Than-Perfect Credit
Securing finance for any significant purchase can be a challenge, especially when it comes to acquiring a truck for business purposes. Coupled with a less-than-perfect credit score, this task can seem daunting for many Australians. The ripple effects of financial constraints can impede business operations, affecting the lifeline of commercial ventures that rely on transportation. - read more
Essential Checklist for Commercial Vehicle Loan Approval
Essential Checklist for Commercial Vehicle Loan Approval
In the journey to secure a commercial vehicle loan, preparation is key. Just as a vehicle needs to be in perfect condition to hit the road, your loan application requires meticulous attention to detail to ensure a green light from lenders. This article embarks on the essential journey of understanding the critical checkpoints before applying for a commercial vehicle loan. We navigate through the path of prerequisites that pave the way for a seamless approval process. - read more
How to maintain your truck to extend its lifespan in Australian conditions
How to maintain your truck to extend its lifespan in Australian conditions
Maintaining your truck is essential if you want to prolong its lifespan and save money down the road. Australian conditions can put a lot of strain on your vehicle, and neglecting its maintenance can lead to costly breakdowns and repairs. - read more

Finance News

New DFAC Captain 45 Gives Light Truck Buyers a Fresh Value Option
New DFAC Captain 45 Gives Light Truck Buyers a Fresh Value Option
29 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s light-duty truck market has a new challenger, with DFAC launching its Captain 45 WorkReady model into a segment long dominated by established Japanese brands. The arrival is timely: many operators are reassessing replacement cycles, cash flow and vehicle availability after a softer broader truck market and a wave of Euro 6 model updates. - read more
Chery Q Shapes Up as a New Budget EV Contender for Australia
Chery Q Shapes Up as a New Budget EV Contender for Australia
28 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s budget electric vehicle segment could be heading for another shake-up, with Chery’s compact Q model emerging as a potential rival to the current price leaders. The small EV has gone on sale in Thailand at a sharply competitive price, giving Australian buyers an early clue about where Chery may position the car when it reaches our market. - read more
ASIC’s Car Finance Review Puts EV Buyers on Notice
ASIC’s Car Finance Review Puts EV Buyers on Notice
28 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Australia’s car finance market is under fresh scrutiny after ASIC released its latest review of car loans on 24 June 2026, highlighting concerns that are highly relevant for anyone planning to finance an electric vehicle. While the report covers the broader motor finance sector, its findings matter for EV shoppers because higher purchase prices, rapid model changes and varying resale assumptions can make the real cost of finance harder to judge at first glance. - read more
What New Boat Loan Guidance Means for Jetski Buyers
What New Boat Loan Guidance Means for Jetski Buyers
27 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Canstar’s latest boat loan comparison update puts a timely spotlight on how Australians are funding life on the water, and the lessons are directly relevant for anyone considering a new or used jetski. While a personal watercraft may be smaller than a cabin cruiser or fishing boat, the finance principles are much the same: the right loan is not simply the one with the lowest advertised rate, but the one that fits your income, usage plans and repayment comfort. - read more
Judo Bank Loan Shock Puts SME Credit Quality Back in Focus
Judo Bank Loan Shock Puts SME Credit Quality Back in Focus
27 Jun 2026: Paige Estritori
Judo Bank has put SME lending risk back under the spotlight after its listed parent, Judo Capital Holdings, suffered a sharp share price fall on 25 June 2026. The specialist business lender disclosed that three customer exposures had deteriorated in recent weeks, prompting higher credit provisions and a downgrade to its expected full-year profit before tax. - read more

Start Here

Get a free truck loan eligibility assessment and compare truck finance and leasing options without accessing your credit file!!
Loan Amount:
Postcode:

All quotes are provided obligation-free by a participating broker from our national referral partner network. We respect your Privacy.


Knowledgebase
Equity Release:
A way for homeowners to release cash from the value of their home, either as a lump sum or in installments, while still living in the property.